The 73-year-old right-hander made her tournament debut at the 1963 USBC Women's Championships in Memphis, Tenn., and received a plaque and medallion Monday to commemorate her longevity on the championship lanes.

"It feels very, very special," Evans said. "I'm very honored. It's a special memory of a special day in my life."

Evans, who was the fifth bowler to join the 50-Year Club at the 2014 event, also has competed in 55 Arkansas State tournaments. Her dedication to the sport earned her a spot in the Central Arkansas USBC WBA Hall of Fame in 2006.

She was accompanied on the lanes this year by her daughter, Nancy Burrow, and was surprised at the airport as she was about to depart for The Biggest Little City in the World by her sister, Betty Townsend. Evans also was joined by longtime teammate Suda Bailey of Cabot, Ark., who made her 52nd Women's Championships appearance.

"Seeing so much of the country, and the fellowship and friendship of all the bowlers that we've bowled with, are things I'll always remember," Evans said. "Being at 50 tournaments also means a lot to me. It has been my honor."

Evans has no plans of slowing down and looks forward to continuing her participation all the way to the 100th edition of the Women's Championships scheduled for Wichita, Kan., in 2019. The event will make its return to traditional bowling centers, and that tournament also would mark her daughter's 25th tournament appearance.

"I would love to be there," Evans said. "That would be a great milestone. It would be perfect."

In her 50th appearance, Evans put together sets of 503 in singles, 433 in team and 428 in doubles for an all-events score of 1,364.

Three new leaders emerge at USBC Women’s Championships

The top spots in Sapphire Team, Division 4 Singles and Division 3 All-Events all changed hands this week at the USBC Women’s Championships.

Outsiders of Hueytown, Ala., rolled games of 578, 661 and 617 for a 1,856 series June 4, edging Oneida County Hospital of Garland, Utah, which posted a 1,850 total June 1.

Ann Peeples led the way for Outsiders with a 476 set and was joined at the RSCC by Jane Covington (471), Melva Estes (470) and Bobbie Pickle (439).

Cathy Torgerson of Ozark, Ala., set the new standard in Division 4 Singles with games of 174, 211 and 228 for a 613 series. Clarita Laje of Milpitas, Calif., previously held the lead with 571.

Eileen Stires of Hammonton, N.J., moved to the top of the standings in Division 3 All-Events with sets of 606 in team, 552 in doubles and 547 in singles for a 1,705 total. Shannon Ross-Porter of Dallas, Ore., had been leading with 1,700.

A look ahead
Lorraine Sandven of Tucson, Ariz., will become the sixth and final bowler of the 2014 USBC Women’s Championships to make her 50th tournament appearance when she takes the lanes June 13 at 7 p.m. EDT.

Sandven, 78, made her tournament debut at the 1962 Women’s Championships in Phoenix.

For more information on the Women’s Championships, visit BOWL.com/WomensChamp.

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